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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, however when I arrived, a major event was in town and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I might spend the evening somewhere that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a young woman spotted me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – yet very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals like that woman.